She looks around the room.
“Surely this party is winding down soon. Can I meet you somewhere
when it’s over?”

“I’ve got…” I begin
to make my excuses, but then I look at her face and I know there’s
something really wrong with her. “What’s going on Belle?”

She looks around to make
sure we’re alone and then she blurts out. “I’m pregnant. I got
drunk on New Year’s Eve and I lost my virginity and I got
pregnant.”

Belle

“I'm sorry it’s so late
but I couldn't get away till now.” I explain, sitting on the boat
deck beside him. There are a million reasons that motivated me to
tell Hayden about my pregnancy and none of them have anything to do
with the crush that got me into this mess. The truth is, I’m
terrified and Hayden is the one person from my childhood who never
made me feel like his feelings for me were based on my “good
behavior.” I guess therein lies the reason for the crush in the
first place.

He shakes his head and says,
“You have to tell him Belle.”

“Why? It's not about him.
It was one night! One stupid meaningless time!” I say tearfully,
and I can’t believe I’m telling Hayden that I had a meaningless
night; with Max Cooper of all people.